BATU PAHAT, March 9 (Bernama) — The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities has increased the allocation for the development of the pepper industry to RM45.8 million in 2026 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), compared to RM21.4 million last year.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the increase reflects the government’s confidence in the potential of the pepper industry as a high-value agricultural subsector that could contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“A total of 10 strategic development projects will be carried out, covering the entire pepper industry value chain, from the upstream sector such as planting, increasing productivity and estate management, to the development of the downstream sector, including processing, product innovation and market expansion,” she said.
She was speaking at the “Berbuka Puasa” with the Plantation and Commodities Minister event here yesterday.
Noraini said smallholders would receive direct benefits through several industry development initiatives, including assistance with developing new planting areas, managing mature pepper fields, and using modern agricultural technology and practices.
“Besides, efforts are also focused on reducing production costs through the development of alternative inputs and technical support for farmers,” she said.
She said the initiatives are also expected to open up opportunities for higher income through the expansion of downstream industries and the development of value-added pepper-based products.
